All car accidents are traumatic and potentially deadly but those involving large, commercial trucks are even more so. Because of their massive weight and size, these vehicles take longer to stop, have bigger blind spots, and have the potential to cause way more damage than passenger cars. In any accident between a small vehicle and a semi, 18-wheeler, tanker, garbage truck, or other large truck, it is the passenger car occupants who will likely be injured or killed. Establishing fault and getting compensation for injury victims can be a difficult process.
In trucking accidents, it is even more complicated. That is because truckers and trucking companies are regulated by federal laws that they must abide by. Additionally, these companies often have full slates of legal staffers whose job is to reduce liability and pay out little or nothing, adding more complication. To ensure that you are able to get all of the compensation you need and deserve in the wake of a truck accident, it is vital that you retain the services of a qualified attorney.
Need legal help after a traffic accident in New Hampshire? Contact Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. at (603) 288-1403 to arrange for free consultation.
The Complexities of Trucking Accidents
As state above, truck accidents can rapidly become more complicated than other traffic accidents. This is because of various factors.
These factors can include:
- Federal regulations that apply under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover a variety of things, such as how many hours a driver can drive in a given timeframe, substance abuse testing, safety equipment, and more. For instance, truckers may drive only a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Truckers must also take a 30 minute break after driving for eight hours without a break. Such rules were created to prevent trucker fatigue while on the road so as to promote better safety. Truckers who violate these rules can raise the risk of accidents; proving that they did engage in violations adds complication.
- “Black box” data in trucks. Many commercial trucks include a box that records data about the truck while in use, including such things as how fast the truck was traveling at certain intervals. This can be useful when accident reconstruction experts work to reconstruct how the accident occurred but can introduce complications should this data negate other evidence.
- Liability, which can be confusing between truckers who are owner-operators and truckers hired by companies as well as when truckers haul cargo owned by another party. Defining fault and liability can be difficult but must be done to ensure claimants receive rightful damages.
- Trucking companies are often large corporations that have their own teams of first responders to accident sites as well as large legal staffs working to protect the company’s interests. These staffs will try to do everything possible to reduce liability through their efforts as well. Their efforts along with the efforts of insurance carriers can add to the complexities that you may face as a trucking accident victim.
Truck accidents can result in serious, sometimes catastrophic, injuries that can require long-term medical care and therapies. Ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to finance all of the costs of long-term injuries is crucial. That is why we strongly advise you to turn to a law firm that has trucking accident experience to help you in your fight for a fair outcome.
Why Choose Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C.?
At our firm, you are not just a case number; we treat all of our clients with the care and concern you deserve in the wake of a traumatizing accident. Over the past 20 years, we have represented thousands of individuals throughout the state in seeking maximum compensation for their damages and losses. Together, our team has more than 140 years of legal experience fighting for positive results. Our efforts have resulted in many awards, including Super Lawyers listings and the top rating of AV Preeminent® from the legal industry organization of Martindale Hubbell®.
Injured in a truck or other motor vehicle accident? We are available at (603) 288-1403. Call for a free consultation about your case.